Best Cylinder Head Shim Gaskets of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Cylinder head shim gaskets are essential components in any engine system. They are thin, metallic gaskets designed to fit between the cylinder head and the engine block. These gaskets are engineered to provide a tight seal that prevents coolant and oil from leaking out of the engine. They also help to maintain proper compression levels within the engine, which is crucial for optimal performance. Cylinder head shim gaskets are available in a range of sizes and materials, depending on the specific engine application. They are a vital component of any engine rebuild or repair, and should be chosen with care to ensure the best possible performance and longevity of the engine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Tick Performance Slave Cylinder Shim Kit for F-Body T56 Cover #TOP 1
Tick Performance Slave Cylinder Shim Kit for F-Body T56
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Empi Cylinder Shim Set 85.5-88mm Cover #TOP 2
Empi Cylinder Shim Set 85.5-88mm
ftb score rating icon 9.8
EMPI Cylinder Shim Set .040 Thick 4 Pc Cover #TOP 3
EMPI Cylinder Shim Set .040 Thick 4 Pc
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cylinder Head Shim Gaskets

#TOP 1

Tick Performance Slave Cylinder Shim Kit for F-Body T56

0.055"/0.113"/0.180"
Tick Performance Slave Cylinder Shim Kit for F-Body T56 Cover
Tick Performance Slave Cylinder Shim Kit 3pc 1998-2002 F-Body T56 .055"/.113"/.180" TICKSHIMKIT

The Tick Performance Slave Cylinder Shim Kit includes three shims with different thicknesses of 0.055 inch, 0.113 inch, and 0.180 inch. This kit is made in the USA and is designed to fit 98-02 F-Body T56 vehicles. It is a vehicle-specific kit that guarantees a perfect fit. The product belongs to the Clutch Slave Cylinder Kits category and has part number 43010.

What We Like
Includes three different thickness shims
Made in the USA
Guarantees a perfect fit for 98-02 F-Body T56 vehicles
#TOP 2

Empi Cylinder Shim Set 85.5-88mm

21-6010-0
NULL
0.25mm
Empi Cylinder Shim Set 85.5-88mm Cover
Cylinder Shim Set, Fits 85.5, 87 & 88mm.010 Thick, 4 Pc, Compatible with Dune Buggy

The Empi Cylinder Shim Set is designed for engines requiring a .010" thickness, making it a perfect choice for high-performance builds. This set includes four shims that are specifically clearanced to accommodate 8mm head studs, ensuring a proper fit and enhanced performance. Compatible with popular piston brands like Mahle, NPR, and AA, these shims provide flexibility for various engine setups. By using this shim set, you can achieve optimal compression and improve your engine's efficiency, giving you the power you need on the road or track.

What We Like
High-performance compatibility
Clearanced for easy installation
Fits various piston brands
Improves engine efficiency
#TOP 3

EMPI Cylinder Shim Set .040 Thick 4 Pc

21-6040-0
Metallic
.040" / 1.00mm
EMPI Cylinder Shim Set .040 Thick 4 Pc Cover
Cylinder Shim Set, Fits 85.5, 87 & 88mm, .040 Thick, 4 Pc, Compatible with Dune Buggy

The EMPI Cylinder Shim Set is designed to offer precise adjustment for your engine with four shims included in the set. Each shim is .040 inches thick, allowing you to fine-tune the fit and clearance of your cylinder head for optimal performance. These shims are specially cut to fit around 8mm head studs, giving you a smooth and secure installation. Compatible with popular piston brands like Mahle, NPR, and AA, this set is a great choice if you want to maintain or improve the efficiency of high-performance engines, such as those used in dune buggies.

What We Like
Set of 4 shims
.040-inch thickness
Fits 8mm head studs
Compatible with major pistons
#TOP 4

DNJ HS343 Head Spacer Shim for 2011-2021 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet 1.4L

DNJ
HS343
DNJ HS343 Head Spacer Shim for 2011-2021 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet 1.4L Cover
DNJ HS343 Head Spacer Shim for 2011-2021 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet Cruze, Cruze Limited, ELR 1.4L L4 16V DOHC 1364cc

The DNJ Head Spacer Shim is a brand new, high-quality engine part designed for 2011-2021 Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet models with a 1.4L engine. This spacer is 0.020 inches thick and is meant to be installed on the block side, helping ensure proper engine fit and function. DNJ Engine Components is a trusted brand with over 30 years of experience, giving you confidence in the durability and reliability of this product. By choosing the DNJ Head Spacer Shim, you get a part that supports long-term engine performance and peace of mind.

What We Like
Brand new quality
Fits multiple 2011-2021 models
Precise 0.020" thickness
Trusted 30+ year brand
#TOP 5

EMPI Cylinder Shim Set for 85.5-88mm Bore

21-6060-0
Metallic
.060 inches
EMPI Cylinder Shim Set for 85.5-88mm Bore Cover
Cylinder Shim Set, Fits 85.5, 87 & 88mm, .060 Thick, 4 Pc, Compatible with Dune Buggy

The EMPI Cylinder Shim Kit is designed to fit bore sizes of 85.5mm, 87mm, and 88mm, making it a versatile choice for your engine needs. Each shim is .060 inches thick, offering precise adjustment to help you achieve the perfect fit for your cylinder head. The kit includes four pieces, giving you enough shims to make multiple adjustments or replacements as needed. Whether you’re working on a dune buggy or another compatible vehicle, this set provides the convenience of accurate spacing to improve engine performance and reliability.

What We Like
Multiple bore size compatibility
Precise .060-inch thickness
Includes four shims
Suitable for dune buggies
#TOP 6

DNJ HS948 Head Spacer Shim for 1.8L 1ZZ-FE Engines

DNJ
HS948
DNJ HS948 Head Spacer Shim for 1.8L 1ZZ-FE Engines Cover
DNJ HS948 Head Spacer Shim for 2000-2008 Chevrolet, Pontiac, Toyota Celica, Corolla, Matrix 1.8L L4 16V DOHC 1794cc

The DNJ Head Spacer Shim is a brand new part designed specifically for 1.8L L4 DOHC engines from Pontiac, Toyota, and Chevrolet made between 2000 and 2008. This spacer is 0.020 inches thick and is meant to be installed on the engine block side, helping to ensure a proper fit and seal in your engine. DNJ Engine Components is known for quality and reliability, with over 30 years of experience in producing engine parts for both domestic and Japanese vehicles. Choosing the DNJ Head Spacer Shim means you’re getting a trusted product that can help maintain your engine’s performance and longevity.

What We Like
Brand new part
Fits multiple 1.8L engines
Precise 0.020-inch thickness
Trusted DNJ quality
#TOP 7

Mr. Gasket 1131G Steel Shim Head Gasket

1131G
No Color
No Size
Mr. Gasket 1131G Steel Shim Head Gasket Cover
Mr. Gasket 1131G Steel Shim Cylinder Head Gasket

The Mr. Gasket Steel Shim Gasket is designed to provide a tight and reliable seal for your engine. Its thin steel shim layer ensures a precise fit, which helps prevent leaks and maintains engine performance. By increasing the engine compression, this gasket can boost your engine’s power output. Plus, the high-temperature silicone coating offers extra protection against fluid leaks, so you don’t have to worry about messy spills or damage. This gasket is a solid choice if you want durability and improved engine efficiency in one package.

What We Like
Steel shim for tight sealing
Enhances engine compression
High-temp silicone coating
Prevents fluid leaks
#TOP 8

Yiklwwy EA888 Cylinder Head Gasket for Audi and VW

06K103383K
Yiklwwy EA888 Cylinder Head Gasket for Audi and VW Cover
Yiklwwy 06K103383K 1.8/2.0T EA888 Cylinder Head Gasket Replacement For Audi A1 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 Q3 Q5 Q7 TT VW Jetta Passat Golf Arteon Tiguan Scirocco Skoda

The Yiklwwy EA888 Gasket is designed to fit a wide range of Audi and Volkswagen models, including popular series like A1, A3, A4, and Jetta. It comes with multiple part numbers that ensure compatibility with your engine, making it easier for you to find the exact match. The gasket is made to standard size, so it fits perfectly without the need for modifications, giving you peace of mind during installation. Plus, it includes a 6-month warranty, protecting your purchase and offering you confidence in its quality and durability.

What We Like
Wide model compatibility
Multiple part numbers
Standard size fit
6-month warranty
#TOP 9

AA Performance Cylinder Shim Set .090

CS 9200 90
AA Performance Cylinder Shim Set .090 Cover
AA Performance Products 90.5, & 92mm Cylinder Shim (Set of 4) (Size .090)

The AA Performance Cylinder Shim is designed to help you adjust your engine’s cylinder head clearance with precision. This set includes four shims sized at .090, making it easier for you to fine-tune your engine for better performance. Made by AA Performance, a trusted brand in engine parts, these shims fit 90.5 and 92mm cylinders, giving you more flexibility for your tuning needs. Using these shims can improve your engine’s efficiency and help maintain optimal performance by ensuring proper cylinder head spacing.

What We Like
Precision engine adjustment
Set of four shims
Fits 90.5 and 92mm cylinders
Trusted AA Performance brand
#TOP 10

Empi Cylinder Shim Set 94mm

21-7490-0
Empi Cylinder Shim Set 94mm Cover
Cylinder Shim Set, Fits 94mm,.090 Thick, 4 Pc, Compatible with Dune Buggy

The Empi Cylinder Shim Set is a convenient package of four shims, each with a thickness of .090 inches. These shims are designed with clearances for both 8mm and 10mm head studs, making installation easier for various engine setups. They are compatible with popular brands like Mahle, NPR, and AA, ensuring versatility for your high-performance engines. By using these shims, you can enhance the performance of your engine, contributing to better efficiency and power output.

What We Like
Set of four shims
Compatible with multiple brands
Clearance for different head studs
Ideal for high-performance engines
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our cylinder head shim gasket research, we found 24 cylinder head shim gasket products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,416 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cylinder head shim gaskets list. We found that most customers choose cylinder head shim gaskets with an average price of $36.47.

The cylinder head shim gaskets are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cylinder head shim gaskets, including 269 Motorsports, EMPI, DNJ, Mr. Gasket, Yiklwwy. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 96 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.